Patio season is officially here

Summer is here, and outdoor dining – a.k.a. “al fresco” – is on everyone’s mind. The sunshine, the breezes, the fresh air … we need to soak it all in while we can, and June is the perfect time to do just that.

In collaboration with the Dine Medina County Ohio Facebook page, we bring you the Medina County Outdoor Dining Guide, a two-page spread featuring some of the area’s best outdoor dining destinations. The listings showcase patio spots from across the county – and not all of them are restaurants. With patio season officially underway, I thought this would be the perfect time to share a few of my personal favorites.

First off, I recently discovered Castle Noel’s new Hideaway Tavern & Patio, and it instantly became a favorite. Hidden just off Medina Square, this incredible space transports you into a tropical oasis complete with waterfalls, music and lush tropical plants that make you forget you’re in Northeast Ohio. Somehow, Cousin Eddie’s RV from “Christmas Vacation” fits perfectly into the backdrop. Oh – and the beef tallow truffle Parmesan french fries are absolutely legit.

Just around the corner on Medina Square, Sully’s Irish Pub – now celebrating its 18th anniversary – offers one of the best people-watching patios in town. There are few better ways to spend a sunny afternoon than relaxing with a pint and an order of their famous Angry Mussels.

Speaking of Irish pubs, Gandalf’s Pub & Restaurant in Valley City has one of the most charming patios anywhere in the area. Towering trees create a magical canopy over the spacious outdoor seating area, while longtime chef Ed West delivers equally memorable food. Proprietor Sean Lackey – also known for “Flanagan’s Wake,” one of Cleveland theater’s longest-running improv comedy shows – has created something truly special here. This place absolutely deserves a spot on your summer dining list.

Medina Square’s Thyme 2 remains a longtime patio favorite. Its covered patio, colorful flowers, welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent food have made it a staple for years. John Kolar and his team continue to deliver one of the best dining experiences in town. The lobster pizza, steak Cobb salad and bacon burger from the pub menu are always solid choices.

Also on Medina Square, you can grab a great burger from PJ Marley’s and relax on their cozy hidden patio, or head a bit south to their sister restaurant, The Farmer’s Table, which features a beautiful patio at the old Farmer’s Exchange building. Keller’s Market in the same building also offers patio seating on “The Dock” – perfect for enjoying a coffee drink and a brownie as big as your head. It is 100% under cover as well, which is very cool on a rainy day. Just around the corner from PJ Marley’s, The Grind Coffee Bar has a nice outdoor seating area where you can relax while flipping through the pages of Medina Weekly, available free just inside the doors.

One of my all-time favorite patios belongs to The Corkscrew Saloon. The setting alone is worth the visit, with the beautiful Victorian mansion, picturesque pond and manicured grounds surrounding the patio. Pair that with consistently excellent food and the always-friendly Corkscrew team, and it’s easy to see why this remains such a popular destination. Make reservations if you can.

Just down the road from Corkscrew is Grab-N-Go Pub, which in only a few short years has become a favorite gathering spot for neighbors, friends and families alike. Dave and Debbie Tepper and their family seem to make upgrades almost daily to this unsuspecting gem. Part drive-thru, part pub and part neighborhood hangout, this place has built a loyal following for good reason.

The Tilted Farmer belongs on your “I could eat here twice a week” list. Located south of Medina on the road to Seville, this gem is celebrating its second year in business, and owner Chris Spitzer and her team are firing on all cylinders. I love this restaurant not only for its affordable, high-quality menu – from authentic wood-fired pizzas to excellent burgers made with local ingredients – but also for its classy design and strong farm-to-table feel. Add in the self-pour tap wall, where you can sample several beers without emptying your wallet, and it quickly becomes an easy favorite. The spacious patio, surrounded by young grapevines and countryside scenery, makes this a fantastic addition to Medina County’s food scene.

Between Medina and Valley City, the Shale Creek Taproom patio (formerly Granite Grille) offers a scenic outdoor experience overlooking the 18th hole of the golf course. Open to the public, this expansive covered space features live weekend music, fresh food and craft beer on tap.

Just north of Medina, Timber Lodge features a front-porch patio that is exactly what you’d hope for from a rustic lodge – even better when paired with one of their amazing prime rib, steak or seafood entrées. Even your doodle is welcome.

Heading over to Wadsworth, The Galaxy Restaurant remains one of Medina County’s premier dining destinations, with an outstanding patio to match. The property features three distinct dining experiences under one roof: the Circle L Steakhouse, the cozy Wine Room and the lively Galaxy Sports Bar & Patio. We’ve enjoyed many memorable meals and evenings there over the years, and I especially recommend checking out some of their summer events. Surrounded by the two hotels they also own, it’s easy to turn dinner into a full weekend getaway.

There are many more patios featured in the Dine Medina County Ohio guide, and I tried to connect with as many businesses as possible while putting this column together. As expected, this is an incredibly busy season for restaurant owners and staff, so I’m sure I may have missed some deserving favorites along the way.

If I missed one of your favorite patio destinations, let me know what you love about it – and encourage them to reach out to me as well. Maybe we can include them next time. My email is karl@medinaweeklynews.com, and I always enjoy hearing from readers.

As always, I urge you to eat fresh, dine local and be happy!